This class teaches the conceptual foundations and frontiers of modern physics and astronomy without the typical mathematical barriers. This DeCal is designed for both non-majors and introductory-level physics and astronomy students. There are no math or physics prerequisites at all, just healthy curiosity and a willingness to ask questions! If you are an intended physics/astro major looking to get an early, accessible preview of advanced theoretical topics that you may come across in research — Or if you are a non-major interested in a light class to learn about the universe, this class is for you!

We will have many fun demos and small group discussions:

On the technical side we will cover: how chaos emerges from simple physical rules; how thermodynamic entropy provides for an arrow of time; Einstein's connection of gravity to spacetime; the spooky world of quantum mechanics; the lives of stars; the history of the universe; and scientists' centuries-long endeavor towards a unified picture of the fundamental forces.

On the humanities side we will discuss: how the development of physics has given both tremendous benefit and harm to human societies; and how our philosophies of physics are intertwined with our views of the natural world.

If interested, please sign up for 2 units P/NP.